Central Buang in Papua New Guinea

The Central Buang have only been reported in Papua New Guinea
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Central Buang are an indigenous people living in the highland fringe of Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea. They are part of the larger Buang linguistic and cultural cluster, with a history tied to river valleys and mountainous terrain. Central Buang communities have maintained strong village identity, shaped by close kinship networks and geographic isolation, which has preserved their language and traditional village structures over generations.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Central Buang people live in small village settlements along river valleys and hills. Daily life revolves around subsistence agriculture, including gardening and crop cultivation, with extended families sharing work and resources. Villagers also engage in local trade and occasional travel to larger towns for schooling, markets, or other community needs. Social life is organized around clan and family structures, with elders playing key roles in guidance, decision-making, and the maintenance of customary practices.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Christianity is the predominant faith among Central Buang communities. Churches and Christian teachings have become central to family and community life. While some customary practices may continue privately, the dominant religious identity is Christian, with believers participating in worship, Scripture reading, and church activities that shape moral and spiritual life.


What Are Their Needs?

The Central Buang people benefit from discipleship that deepens their understanding of Scripture and strengthens local church communities. Supporting pastors and church leaders with biblical training and resources is vital for fostering spiritual growth. Opportunities to engage with Scripture in the Central Buang language help ensure all ages can learn and apply God's Word. Practical needs include access to education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods, which contribute to family and community well-being.


Prayer Items

Pray for Central Buang believers to grow in spiritual maturity and for their churches to be strong, vibrant, and Christ-centered.
Pray that pastors and leaders would be equipped with wisdom and biblical teaching skills.
Pray for widespread engagement with Scripture in the Central Buang language among youth and adults.
Pray for unity, hope, and godly witness in families and villages, and that Central Buang Christians would share Christ's love with neighboring peoples.


Scripture Prayers for the Buang, Central in Papua New Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Buang, Central
People Name in Country Buang, Central
Natural Name Central Buang
Alternate Names Central Buang; Mapos
Population this Country 22,000
Population all Countries 22,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached No
Frontier No
GSEC 5  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed
PeopleID3 11117
ROP3 Code 101913
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Morobe province: Mumeng district, middle Snake river area. 10 villages.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Papua New Guinea
Region Australia and Pacific
Continent Australia
10/40 Window No
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Morobe province: Mumeng district, middle Snake river area. 10 villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016

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Primary Religion: Christianity
Major Religion Estimated Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity
80.00 %
Ethnic Religions
20.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Buang, Central
Language Code bzh   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Buang, Central
Language Code bzh   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Buang, Central
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.